Have you ever looked at that piece of paper in front of you after you have been talking on the telephone for an amount of time? I certainly have and wondered where all the squiggles of lines deep from within my subconscious developed. My masterpieces can be anything from ovals, squares and triangles with some colouring in and curves. The original term and most commonly known is called Doodling.
Start your doodling design simply with lines
states that a study was conducted by Professor Jackie Andrade, of the School of Psychology at the University of Plymouth, who reported that doodlers in her experiment recalled 7.5 pieces of information (out of 16 total) on average, 29% more than the average of 5.8 recalled by the control group made of non-doodlers. Many American Presidents (including Thomas Jefferson, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton) have been known to doodle during meetings.
Cathie's Owl created from doodling
Today another form of doodling has emerged with more structured designs, although these can be expanded on by your own mind as you develop from basic techniques. It is called Zen Doodling and can be learnt right here in The Redlands from a very talented lady named Cathie Stone. I recently attended one of Cathie's classes in Wellington Point and was in awe by her amazing ability and what can be created from this simple expression of art. So simple that anyone can do it, yet is also very therapeutic and meditative once you begin as hours pass without you realising. Although a pencil can be used, Cathie prefers using coloured felt pens as no line is a mistake or cannot be developed into something else. The course cost $30 and was run for 2-hours. Pens, paper and designs were supplied and all I had to do was turn up with an enthusiasm to learn. That certainly wasn't hard.
Specialised books on the subject of Doodling are in the marketplace
Cathie is one half of a 2-person team with good friend Gaye Harris, who recently formed a business partnership named "Seventh Stone Design". A name cleverly devised from the combination of a birth date and surname. The ladies met at a market and quickly formed a cemented bond of friendship, one with the same beliefs and goals.
Beautiful Japanese silk materials used
Cathie and Gaye believe that it is important that traditional creative skills are fostered and not lost. They see a generation of women who were not taught how to sew, embroider, knit or crochet as their mothers' were the first to join the workforce. Now these women have children of their own and are unable to pass on these vital skills. Seventh Stone Design's aim is to capture the latent creativity in these groups and inspire an enthusiasm for handcrafts and the acquisition of useful skills. They hope to target women aged 25 to 55.
Learn to crochet your own Rag Rug
Since ancient times women have gathered together to share the milestones and day-to-day happenings in their lives. Today's fast pace of living sees many missing out on finding relaxation in a creative pursuit. Much time is spent on social media to connect with people yet there is nothing as fulfilling as getting together with like-minded people to chat, share ideas and to create handmade possessions which gather memories and meaning throughout the individual's lifespan.
Gifts for every occasion
Although they still take their creative designs to markets, they also have a large quantity of stock being sold at "Village Creative" in Wellington Point. They source the finest drapes of material and recycled materials for their creations which include; however not limited to, rag rugs, Chenille bath mats and cushions, door stops, draught runners and the most unique brooches and hair pieces made from recycled Japanese Kimono silk sleeves. No brooch is identical because of the fabric used. Don't throw out those old flannelette sheets that the kids don't use anymore, cut them up in strips and Seventh Stone Design can teach you how to easily crochet them into exceptionally thick long-lasting Rag Rugs. I can see old curtains being used just as well too.
Rare Japanese silks used
A vision for the future is to expand into larger premises to incorporate a sewing school concept marketing a creative retreat to include professional therapists in a community environment.
Cathie and Gaye hold a variety of traditional craft classes at
Village Creative, Wellington Point and
The Collective Store in Wynnum as well as taking bookings to teach in private homes, for groups and clubs as well.
